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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000_12_20 Town Board Minutes MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK AND THE BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS HELD ON DECEMBER 20, 2000 AT 8:15 PM IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN CENTER, 740 W. BOSTON POST ROAD, MAMARONECK, NEW YORK PRESENT: Supervisor Valerie M. O'Keeffe Councilwoman Phyllis Wittner Councilwoman Judith A. Myers Councilman Ernest C. Odierna Councilwoman Nancy Seligson ALSO PRESENT: Patricia A. DiCioccio, Town Clerk Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator Charlene Indelicato, Town Attorney CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor O'Keeffe at 8:25 PM, who then pointed out the location of exits. She noted this was the last meeting of the year and that the Town Budget for the year 2001 had been approved at the December 6th meeting of the Board. PRESENTATION -Junior League of Westchester on the Sound - Memorial Park Junior League of Westchester on the Sound - Memorial Park Mrs. Bialo, President of the Junior League, introduced her son Matt and daughter Kelsey then stated this was the 50th anniversary of the Junior League, 50 years of trying to make a difference in the sound shore area. This year they had donated $58,000 to nine different organizations. They had established a special relationship with the L.I.F.E. Center, the YES office had been founded by them, and LMC-TV receives support from them because they know the strong need for public access. The League is responsible for the formation of the Town of Mamaroneck Recreation Commission. The Recreation Commission and the Junior League were working together to form a teen activity center. She then presented a plaque for Recreation along with a $500 check toward renovations at Memorial Park. The Supervisor and Board all thanked her. PROCLAMATION - Liz Covington - Senior Citizen Hall of Fame Supervisor O'Keeffe then introduced Liz Covington, Director of the Senior Center located in the Town Center Building, then read a proclamation which had previously been given to Ms. Covington at the Senior Citizen's Hall of Fame affair. PROCLAMATION ELIZABETH COVINGTON WHEREAS, we are gathered here today at the annual Westchester County Office for the Aging, Hall of Fame to honor Elizabeth "Liz" Covington; and WHEREAS, Liz applied for the Site Manager's position at the inception of the Senior Nutrition Program in Mamaroneck. She is the only Site Manager the program has ever had; and December 20, 2000 WHEREAS, for the past twenty-four(24) years, Liz has served the seniors with commitment and dedication. Her dynamic personality has kept our seniors young in spirit, earning her the well deserved respect and recognition of all who have known and worked with her. WHEREAS, The nutrition program evolved into the senior program we have today, encompassing nutrition, activities and recreation for every diverse group of senior citizens. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Valerie Moore O'Keeffe, Supervisor, and members of the Town Council of the Town of Mamaroneck hereby present this Proclamation to ELIZABETH COVINGTON to congratulate and extend our best wishes for her outstanding achievement as recipient of this year's Senior Citizen Hall of Fame Award, an award that is voted upon by her peers. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Town of Mamaroneck to be affixed this 8th day of December 2000. Liz introduced her daughter and thanked everyone for their kind words and for their support all these years. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT Councilwoman Wittner read excerpts from the annual report submitted by Robert Degen, Chairman of the Commission. The report: THE COMMISSION Over the year, our commission saw the departure of several veteran members and, with that, the appointment of five new commissioners. At the end of her term as chairwoman, Glenna Gray of the Village of Larchmont, stepped down after many years of dedicated service to the commission. Glenna was an important part of our commission and the loss of her input has not gone unnoticed. New members representing the Village of Larchmont are Geoffrey Weiner, Thomas Ayers and Elaine Chapnick; Village of Mamaroneck, Luis Quiros and the Town of Mamaroneck, Grace D'Alessio. RECENT LEGISLATION Human Rights Law in the County of Westchester. The Mamaroneck-Larchmont Human Rights Commission as a whole - as well as our individual members - actively supported the passage of the law by writing letters of support and attending public hearings in White Plains. In June, Mr. Latimer, Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, met with us and we discussed the way that our commission, the County Commission and the NYS Division of Human Rights will interact, especially regarding complaints. It is the position of the county that most complaints will continue to be handled by the local commissions. The county's role will be reserved for very serious complaints involving employment, housing, banking, etc. NYS Hate Crimes legislation. Actively supported the legislation. 2 December 20, 2000 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION In January, many came to the Emelin Theater in Mamaroneck to hear wonderful music, an inspiring speaker and enjoy area students' artwork and dance performance. The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Award was presented to Martha Lopez and Olga Ochoa. The annual program in January is the largest event for the commission and requires a great deal of effort from all the commissioners. This year's event will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2001. OUR LOGO & BROCHURE Creation of a logo for our commission. Because we are a tri-municipal commission we needed a logo distinct from that of the three municipalities. The commission solicited the talent of students in our high schools. A logo contest was organized and many wonderful drawings were presented. The drawing by Mamaroneck High School student, Melissa Sideroff, was chosen. Her drawing, now on our letterhead and brochure, is beautiful and depicts a tree made up of many puzzle pieces, each shaped and colored differently. The most inspiring caption says: "Apart we are nothing, together we are one." It truly captures the goal of our commission: to study conflict, reduce tensions, support diversity and increase goodwill. The commission also revised and reprinted our brochure. It describes the work of the commission and how a member of the community can contact our commission with suggestions, questions or complaints. OUTREACH The Human Rights Commission has been looking at ways in which to better inform the community about the work of the commission. The duties include fostering mutual respect and understanding in the community. The Human Rights Commission is obligated to study the community and inquire into areas of tension and conflict; to conduct and recommend educational programs to increase goodwill and open opportunities for all; enlist the help, support and participation of various groups and organizations in the pursuit of justice, equality and respect for each other. With that goal several steps have been taken: - formation of a sub-committee to implement a school-based award in recognition of human rights work; - being joined by a non-voting student member from the Village of Mamaroneck, Lauren Tallevi; - maintaining a dialogue with the Local Summit to work together on issues of mutual concern; - publishing, through the municipalities, events which we believe effect our mission of education; - attending a conference and training in conflict resolution in May; - grants and organizing an anti-defamation program at Central School; - participating in a survey on fair housing issues for the NYS Div. of Housing and Community Renewal; - continuing to look at the sexual harassment and discrimination polices of municipalities and the county; - trying to organize a conference in conjunction with the county commission. The subject of the conference ought to be a significant human rights issue that concerns our community. COMPLAINTS Received no formal complaints requiring referral to the state Division of Human Rights or lengthy investigation and action by our commission. 3 December 20, 2000 We received a request for a report on diversity in our schools. This request allowed the commission to strengthen its dialogue with the schools and bring the schools and a community group together in one meeting to discuss a very important issue. We are encouraged and hopeful that a continuing dialogue can be enjoyed among the schools and the commission. CLOSING Dedicated liaisons, Phyllis Wittner, Anne McAndrews and April Farber. We hope to have more liaisons appointed soon. We welcome the suggestions from elected officials. Input on how we can better affect the mission of the human rights commission is always appreciated. Please also feel free to attend our meetings or call for information or with suggestions. Thank to the Villages and Town officials and the clerks and staff for all of their help, support and eager responsiveness given to me and the commission this past year. Respectfully submitted, Robert Degen, Chairman PUBLIC HEARING -2001 Agency Plan - Town of Mamaroneck Public Housing Agency The following public hearing notice was read into the record: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck on December 20, 2000, at 8:15 PM or as soon thereafter as is possible, in the Court Room of the Town Center, 740 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York to consider adoption of the following Local Law: The purpose of the Hearing is to review the PHA One-Year Plan and submit the approved plans to the Department of Housing and Urban Development before January 1, 2001. On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, the hearing was declared open. Supervisor O'Keeffe introduced Kathleen Kopa, Community Services Director. Mrs. Kopa explained this hearing is a yearly event that is necessary to comply with regulations dealing with the Public Housing Administration requirement for submission a one year plan, which mandates a public hearing. She said the agency pays up to 40% of the rent of persons meeting income guidelines, many of whom are working families. She said the program is transitional -this year two of the clients receiving the assistance bought their own homes, one family had one child, the other had four children. They also provide the service to the elderly and the disabled, allowed them to feel more secure, the oldest person receiving the allowance had recently died, she was 98 years old. She said the Board had all received a copy of the plan and it was now necessary for them to adopt it, noting it had been approved already by the County. Councilwoman Myers asked how many people were on the list. Mrs. Kopa answered there are 279 on the waiting list. There is a tremendous need for this service, especially since the financial market is dictating high rents. Councilwoman Myers asked if more rental housing was needed. Mrs. Kopa replied yes. More apartments like the ones in Hommocks Park is desperately wanted. Following discussion, on motion of Councilwoman Myers, seconded by Councilman Odierna, the hearing was declared closed. 4 December 20, 2000 On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Myers, the following was adopted: WHEREAS, the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 and the ensuing Housing and Urban Development requirements mandate the preparation and adoption of a multi-year plan for the operation of a municipal public housing agency; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has reviewed the Town of Mamaroneck Public Housing Agency's five year fiscal plan for the years 2000 through 2004; and WHEREAS, the Town Board has held a public hearing to present this plan to the public. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Mamaroneck hereby adopt the five year Public Housing Agency Fiscal Plan as prepared and submitted by the Public Housing Agency Administrator. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS The meeting was called to order by Commissioner O'Keeffe. Present were the following members of the Commission: Commissioner: Valerie M. O'Keeffe Commissioner: Phyllis Wittner Commissioner: Judith A. Myers Commissioner: Ernest C. Odierna Commissioner: Nancy Seligson 1. Fire Claims: Commissioner Wittner presented fire claims for authorization of payment , thereafter on Commissioner Wittner motion, seconded by Commissioner Myers, it was RESOLVED, that this Commission hereby authorizes payment of the following Fire Department claims as approved by the Fire Chief and audited by the Comptroller's Office: AAA Emergency 225.00 Atlantic Westchester 255.00 ASAP 8.20 Avaya 50.15 Con Edison 551.79 Con Edison 2.00 IOS Capital Metrocom 169.74 Metrocom 1,425.00 Metrocom 1,025.25 5 December 20, 2000 Motorola 36.00 Rickert Lock & Safe 376.90 Senate Electronics Inc. 95.00 Sound Shore 250.00 Sound Shore Health System 1,440.00 Sound Shore Pest Control 120.00 Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department 375.00 Town of Mamaroneck Professional Fire Assoc. 204.36 Tri City Auto Parts 64.50 Westchester Elevator 170.00 TOTAL 6,843.89 The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye 2. FIRE REPORT FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2000 Commissioner Wittner read the following fire report for the month of November which summarizes the nature and origin of calls, the number of personal responding and the total times spent at fire calls. NATURE OF CALLS: GENERAL 38 MINOR 18 STILLS 00 OUT OF TOWN 00 MONTHLY DRILL 01 EMS 14 TOTAL 71 TOTAL NUMBER OF MEN RESPONDING: 602 TOTAL HOURS RESPONDING: 12 HOURS AND 58 MINUTES Respectfully submitted, Michael Liverzani Fire Chief 3. Company and Department Elections Results Commissioner Wittner read the results of the Company Elections and Department Elections of the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department held on Tuesday, December 05, 2000 and Thursday, December 07, 2000. Department Officers 2001 CHIEF Michael Liverzani 1St DEPUTY CHIEF Peter Liverzani 2"d DEPUTY CHIEF Michael J. Acocella CAPTAIN Engine 51 Matt Peloso CAPTAIN Engine 36 Brendan Collins CAPTAIN Engine 37 Robert Blaufarb 6 December 20, 2000 CAPTAIN Ladder 19 Marc Burrell 1St Lieut. Engine 51 Joseph Russo 1St Lieut. Engine 36 Louis Santoro 1St Lieut. Engine 37 Sean McCarthy 1St Lieut. Ladder 19 Joseph Mitchell 2"d Lieut. Engine 51 2"d Lieut. Engine 36 John Inglis 2"d Lieut. Engine 37 Michael Roxbury 2"d Lieut. Ladder 19 Andres deLasa WARDENS ONE YEAR TWO YEARS Engine 51 Matt Peloso Michael A. Acocella, Jr. Engine 36 Brendan Collins James Murray Engine 37 Alan Wilson Jeff Wilson Ladder 19 Marc Burrell William McDermott SECRETARY Engine 51 Noah Goldberg Engine 36 Ted Hecht Engine 37 Paul Tortorella Ladder 19 William McDermott SERGEANT AT ARMS Engine 51 Michael A. Acocella, Jr. Engine 36 James Murray Engine 37 Dennis Tortorella Ladder 19 Jeff Nabi Secretary Louis N. Santoro Financial Secretary Robert Degen Treasurer Sean McCarthy Surgeon Dr. George Stohr Sergeant at Arms Robert Blaufarb Attorney Ted Hecht, Esq. There being no further business to come before the Commission, on motion of Commissioner Wittner, seconded by Commissioner Seligson, the Commission unanimously adjourned at 9:10 PM. AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN 1. Resolution - Deferred Compensation Plan The Administrator said a resolution is necessary to comply with the revised law on 457 deferred compensation. The amendment modifies a portion allowing for a larger initial payout amount to be withdrawn, followed by smaller payments. On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Myers, the following resolution was adopted: WHEREAS, the New York State Deferred Compensation Board (the "Board") pursuant to section 5 of the New York State finance law and the regulations of the New York State Deferred Compensation Board, has promulgated the Model Deferred Compensation Plan for employees of the Town of Mamaroneck and offers the Model Plan for adoption by local employers; and WHEREAS, the Town of Mamaroneck, pursuant to section 5 and the Regulations, has adopted and currently administers the Model Plan known as the Deferred Compensation Plan for employees of the Town of Mamaroneck; and 7 December 20, 2000 WHEREAS, effective January 1, 2000, the Board amended the Model Plan to include modifications required by the U.S. Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service in conjunction with a favorable letter ruling that it issued concerning the status of the Model Plan as an "eligible deferred compensation plan" under Section 457(b) of the Internal Revenue Code and to permit participants who elect to receive benefit distributions in the form of a larger initial distribution followed by smaller installment payments to delay the commencement of installment payments for a period of just less than two years from the payment of the initial distribution; and WHEREAS, the Board has offered for adoption the amended and restated Model Plan to each Model Plan sponsored by a local employer in accordance with the Regulations; and WHEREAS, upon due deliberation, the Town of Mamaroneck has concluded that it is prudent and appropriate to amend the Deferred Compensation Plan for Employees of the Town of Mamaroneck by adopting the amended and restated Model Plan. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Mamaroneck hereby amends the Deferred Compensation Plan for Employees of the Town of Mamaroneck effective December 20, 2000 by adopting the amended and restated Model Plan effective January 1, 2000. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye 2. Authorization-Westchester Joint Water Works 2001 Capital Improvements Mr. Altieri explained that the Capital Improvements are either classified as joint projects or local projects. This coming year there are no local projects,just joint, which will cost the Town $21,200. Supervisor O'Keeffe noted that litigation regarding filtration is in flux because of the new forms of technology in filtration systems. A new filtration plant would be obsolete before its even built, and if we can prove there is cheaper, cleaner technology, the litigation may become mute. $2 million has been put aside in the event that water must be filtered. For 2001, the Westchester Joint Water Works is recommending a joint project to replace the roof on the Rye Lake treatment building and to replace a 16 inch valve on Purchase Street. The total cost for both of these projects is $105,000 and the Town's share would be $21,200. The funds are available in the 2001 Town of Mamaroneck Water District Budget for this project and therefore authorization is requested to be given to WJWW to construct both projects. On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve joint improvement Project 2001-J.2 for the Rye Lake Treatment 8 December 20, 2000 building roof replacement using the existing slate tile to maintain the station's architectural character; and BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve joint improvement Project 2001-J.3 to replace the 16" valve on Purchase Street at Westchester Avenue with a butterfly valve. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve the expenditure for the above-stated capital projects at a total of $105,000 of which the Town's estimated cost is not to exceed $21,200 without further notification and approval. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye ADDED ITEMS CLOSE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2000 Mr. Altieri requested the Board adopt a resolution authorizing the Comptroller to close the financial statement for this year, he said it would be necessary to make all budget transfers in order to do so, and the resolution is pro forma. On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was: RESOLVED, that the Town Board does authorize the Town Comptroller to close the financial statements for fiscal year 2000 making all budget transfers as necessary. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye RESOLUTION - COVENTRY COURT The Administrator said this resolution is a Certification of Necessity, which would be sent to the State Department of Transportation allowing for its addition to the Local Highway Inventory for CHIPS (Consolidated Highway Improvement Program) funding. Following discussion, on motion of Councilman Odierna, seconded by Councilwoman Myers it was resolved that WHEREAS, the Town Board has accepted for dedication to the Town the land along which it is proposed to lay out a certain highway less than three rods in width, as shown on a map entitled Subdivision of Coventry Court dated October 27, 1997 - Revised -said highway being generally described as 9 December 20, 2000 follows: (indicate description-include length, width, etc.) Two lane dead end local road extending from an intersection point with Fenimore Road in a Southwesterly direction of 345 feet, containing a cul-de-sac with a paved radius of 45 feet (radial ROW = 65 feet). The paved width of the road is 26 feet between and granite curbstone (ROW = 50 feet); and Whereas, the consent of this Town board having been given that the Town Superintendent of Highways made an order laying out said highway less than three rods in width, such order having been filed and recorded in the office of the Town Clerk, with a release from the owner there of; and WHEREAS, the Town may not lay out a highway less than three rods in width unless certification in writing of the necessity transfer is made by the Commissioner of Transportation of the State of New York, pursuant to Section 171 of the Highway Law. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby requests the Commissioner of Transportation of the State of New York to issue a certificate in writing pursuant to section 171 of the Highway Law of the necessity for laying out such highway less than three rods in width, to extend as shown upon the map hereto annexed and made a part hereof. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye 3. Salary Authorizations - Crossing Guard (substitute) - Recreation Crossing Guard (substitute) On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Seligson, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby authorize the payment of salary to Albert Greco at the rate of$60 per day, for his services as a substitute crossing guard effective December 1, 2000. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye Recreation On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Myers, it was 10 December 20, 2000 RESOLVED, that as provided for in the 2000 Town Budget that the Town Board does hereby authorize the payment of salary to the following: Stephanie Allen, Lifeguard, Hommocks Pool, $9.00/hour, effective retroactive to 12/8/00. Rachel Tutera, Lifeguard, Hommocks Pool, $7/hour, effective retroactive to 12/8/00. Reuben Chess, Lifeguard, Hommocks Pool, $6.50/hour, effective retroactive to 12/17/00. Joseph Mauro, Assistant Youth Hockey Coach, $6/hour, effective retroactive to 11/11/00. Anthony Dicuio, Skate Guard, Hommocks Park Ice Rink, $7/hour, effective 12/15/00. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye APPROVAL OF MINUTES On motion of Councilwoman Wittner, seconded by Councilwoman Myers, it was RESOLVED, that the Town Board does hereby approve the Board minutes from the meeting of November 1, 2000, as amended. The above resolution was put to a roll call vote: Seligson - Aye Odierna - Aye Myers - Aye Wittner - Aye O'Keeffe - Aye SUPERVISOR REPORTS Supervisor O'Keeffe said she had met with the Village of Larchmont and Mr. Mannix, Director of Public Affairs for the MTA, as well Pat Keegan, Assistant to Nita Lowey regarding work to be done towards handicapped accessibility at the railroad station, for which a grant has been obtained. It will take six months for design, then six months for the contracts; the grant has to be spent within three years. The proposal is to remove the escalator and put in new stairs. Then two new elevators will be put in at a cost of$250,000 each, one on each side of the tracks. They will enlarge the ticket room , put in a water fountain, a coed bathroom, another shelter, a concession stand and will clean and paint the tunnel. Larchmont will pick the color. The Supervisor said she had submitted comments on the IKEA project. Mayor Idoni held a press conference yesterday asking IKEA to respond to 14 specific issues, which must be addressed by February or March. They should go back and issue a supplemental EIS as there are credibility problems for IKEA. She said that the two lawsuits by New Rochelle and IKEA continue. Letters are being carried back to IKEA's headquarters in Sweden including letters from Suzi Oppenheimer, Ron Tocci, Nita Lowey, herself and Councilwoman Wittner. She said she and the Town Board had met with neighborhood property owners regarding Myrtle Boulevard and the Washington Square study and was suggesting formation of a subcommittee to study possible changes to the parking patterns. They discussed rezoning and possible uses such as recreation fields, affordable housing, or light industry. 11 December 20, 2000 REPORTS OF COUNCIL Councilman Odierna said the Recreation Commission has a super session for skating set around the Christmas vacation week, and they will close on New Year's Eve and be open on New Year's Day. He said the website committee was working on the templates and should be done by the end of January. The Larchmont library was doing a 75th anniversary exhibit. Supervisor O'Keeffe announced that the Town Attorney, Charlene Indelicato was leaving to start in a new position as County Attorney. The Board and Administrator all thanked her for her work with them and wished her well. ADJOURNMENT The Supervisor said that the next scheduled meeting would be January 3, 2001, wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season. On motion made and seconded, the meeting was adjourned at 10:10 PM. Submitted by Patricia A. DiCioccio, Town Clerk "C LERKSERVERISERVER\DocumentsWinutes 12000minfl12-20-00x.doc 12